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Yontoo

Posted: December 24, 2023
from Cybersecurity Glossary
Aliases:
adware.Yontoo, adware Yontoo
Category:
Adware
Platform:
Windows , MacOS
Variants:
Multiple, usually named after the host program (such as YontooDesktop.exe), for example: Yontoo Layers, Yontoo Pagerage, Yontoo Runtime, Yontoo Webcake, Yontoo ShopperPro, Yontoo Desktop, Yontoo.Pagerage, Yontoo.C.
Damage:
Browser Hijacking, Advertising Scams, Exposure Of Personal Data, Malware Infection, Data Theft
Risk Level:
High

Yontoo belongs to the family of adware, primarily targeting Windows devices, with specific variants tailored for Mac computers. Its web apps and browser plugins offer users expanded web capabilities but come at the expense of browser hijacking, behavior tracking, and the presentation of dubious ads.

Possible symptoms

  • Unexpected browser behavior, such as frequent redirects to unfamiliar websites.
  • Excessive display of intrusive and unwanted advertisements.
  • Unusual system slowdowns or increased CPU usage, particularly during web browsing sessions.
  • Modification of browser settings without user consent.
  • Presence of unfamiliar browser extensions or plugins.
  • Compromised privacy with unauthorized access to personal data.
  • Potential exposure to additional malware infections due to vulnerabilities exploited by Yontoo.

Sources of the infection

  • Downloads from untrusted websites offering seemingly legitimate Yontoo-related applications or browser plugins.
  • Installation through bundled software packages where Yontoo is included without explicit user consent.
  • Clicking on deceptive online advertisements, especially those promising enhanced web functionality or free software.
  • Exploitation of software vulnerabilities, particularly outdated web browsers or operating systems.
  • Compromised or malicious websites that deliver Yontoo as part of drive-by download attacks.
  • Email attachments or links in phishing emails that lead to the inadvertent installation of Yontoo.
  • Infected removable storage devices, such as USB drives, used on multiple systems without proper security measures.

Overview

Yontoo is a notorious adware that targets both Windows and Mac systems, belonging to the family of adware with various variants, such as Yontoo Layers, Yontoo Pagerage, Yontoo Runtime, Yontoo Webcake, Yontoo ShopperPro, Yontoo Desktop, Yontoo.Pagerage, and Yontoo.C. Despite offering enhanced web functionality through web apps and browser plugins, such as the ability to download YouTube videos with the Best Video Downloader, Yontoo comes with significant drawbacks.

The adware engages in browser hijacking, behavior tracking, and the display of questionable advertisements, causing unexpected browser behavior, frequent redirects to unfamiliar websites, and excessive display of intrusive ads. Users may experience unusual system slowdowns or increased CPU usage, particularly during web browsing sessions, along with modifications to browser settings without their consent.

Compromised privacy is a major concern, as Yontoo may gain unauthorized access to personal data, leading to potential exposure to additional malware infections through vulnerabilities exploited by the adware. The infection can occur through downloads from untrusted websites, bundled software packages without user consent, deceptive online advertisements, software vulnerabilities, compromised websites, phishing emails, and infected removable storage devices.

If a Yontoo infection is suspected, users should take immediate action, including running a full system scan using a Gridinsoft Anti-Malware, manually uninstalling suspicious programs, resetting browsers to default settings, and monitoring the system for unusual behavior while ensuring antivirus definitions are up to date.

Preventing Yontoo infections involves adopting technical measures such as keeping operating systems, browsers, and security software up to date, avoiding downloads from untrusted sources, regularly scanning systems for malware, exercising caution when clicking on ads or links, reviewing and configuring browser settings for enhanced security, and disabling unnecessary extensions and pop-ups.

🤔 What to do?

If you suspect a Yontoo infection, take the following steps:

  1. Run a full system scan using a Gridinsoft Anti-Malware to detect and remove the adware.
  2. Manually uninstall any suspicious programs related to Yontoo through the control panel or system settings.
  3. Reset your browsers to their default settings to remove any unwanted extensions or modifications.
  4. Monitor your system for unusual behavior and ensure that your antivirus definitions are up to date.

🛡️ Prevention

To prevent Yontoo infections, follow these technical measures:

  • Keep your operating system, browsers, and security software up to date with the latest patches and updates.
  • Avoid downloading software or browser extensions from untrusted sources.
  • Regularly scan your system for malware using reputable security tools.
  • Be cautious when clicking on ads or links, especially those from unfamiliar or suspicious websites.
  • Review and configure browser settings to enhance security, disable unnecessary extensions, and block pop-ups.

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